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David W. Suddarth

Welcome to Ancestral Journeys, my genealogy research blog. Researching one's ancestors is like taking a journey back through time. Each of our ancestors have a story and those stories are waiting to be told. I hope to do that, as well as outline research methods and other information relating to genealogy and family history. Even if we do not share the same ancestry, I hope you will find some of the discussion and ideas of benefit. For my complete profile, click on the 'About' tab at the top of the page.

A Busy Summer as the Search Goes On…..

Wow, has the Summer gone by quickly. It has been a very busy one, but I have been able to get some research done.

Back in June, I attended the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research held at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. I highly recommend this for anyone who wishes to strengthen their research. The Institute is one week-long and offers courses for everyone from the beginner to the advanced researcher. The course I took, Advanced Methodology and Evidence Analysis, was exceptional. Along with the outstanding course offerings, the chance to meet and network with fellow genealogists is worth the trip alone. I will definitely be heading back next year to further my genealogical education.

Of course, since I was on the road, I spent some time doing some research. Unfortunately, the research part of my trip was not very fruitful. I spent some time at the Kentucky State Archives reviewing court cases from Casey and Lincoln Counties for the early 1800’s, hoping to find some mention of the Suddarths or collateral families. Nothing. I searched old newspapers on microfilm at the Lexington, Kentucky Public Library. Nothing. I read deed books cover to cover at the Casey County Courthouse. Nothing. This happens sometimes; it is a part of the research.

I was fortunate, however, to find the marriage record for James and Malinda Suddarth’s son, James. James was born about 1835 in Crawford County, Indiana. In June of 1857, a marriage license was issued for James B. Suddarth and Sarah Sullivan in Washington County, Indiana, just to the North and East of Crawford County. It is not known if the couple actually married, however. The license was issued, but the return was never completed. Neither James nor Sarah are found in any census records after 1850 (James is enumerated with his parents, James and Malinda). It is presumed that James had died by 1860, although no record of this has been found.

The most interesting part of the record is that it gives James’ middle initial. The middle initial is ‘B’, the same as for his brother, David B. Suddarth. It is thought that David’s middle name is Barnett, which could be a family name, possibly the maiden name of his mother, Malinda. The fact that James also has the middle initial ‘B’ provides just a little more evidence that the name Barnett is a family name. Of course, it is possible that James’ middle name is not Barnett. We do not know for sure.

I will be conducting more research on James and Malinda’s son, James. Among the questions I have are, did he and Sarah have a child together? What actually happened to James and Sarah? Did they ever get married? As usual, lots of questions, few answers.